I have a watering problem...

[peggyb43]

I have a two gal store bought waterer in the coop, hanging about the height of the chicken's backs. Every morning when I go in, the waterer is empty and of course the deep litter below it is wet. Any suggestions on how to make sure they have access to water all night, or what I am doing wrong with this waterer? Thanks for any help!

 

[Rte.66_chicks]

The chickens are probably bumping it, causing it to swing. Mine won't hang, and they're just 1 gal., but I put them up on bricks and havent had a problem.

 

[RendonRoo]

I use a haydite block also. It works great and is rather effective in keeping shavings and dirt out. Good Luck

 

[peggyb43]

Sorry, but what's a haydite block and where could I get one? I'm not familiar with that term.

 

[gritsar]

Something else to keep in mind. If the waterer you are using has a screw on lid on the top, it's important that you hand tighten only. In other words, don't tighten the lid with all your might. Overtightening can cause it to leak.

 

[chickie momma di]

Hi
My DH built a simple box that sits on the floor is about 12-14 in high and has a lip at the top of about 1-2in. the warter sits inside, doesn't freeze, doesn't get hay and shavings in it and most important doesn't get tipped over. Works great!

 

[peggyb43]

That sounds like a great idea. I just went out and put the waterer on top of a milk crate, so I'll see how that works. Thanks, All, for the great tips!

 

[anotherviewinTexas]

OK, but I want to really understand.

We have had chickens for years.

At first we watered on the ground, but that does not work (as you guys already know).

Then we watered from a hanging feeder high enough up that the birds could barely reach it. That worked great, but they did spill it by swinging it. That WAS okay because it was a dirt floor. Had to move them to a house with a wooden floor.

We need to elevate. Maybe we will use nipples, but not for a while.

You guys say put on blocks or such, but my question to those that have done it: What kind of trouble have you had with birds knocking it off the blocks/box/whatever? Must we tie it down?

Please respond back. We went back to watering from a bowl, but you know that is not working

thanks

 

[jhm47]

First of all, chickens don't really need water during the night. They roost at night, and do little eating or drinking when it's dark. I have good luck by watering my birds 2-3 times each day. Since it gets very cold here, it's impossible to keep water in front of them 24/7, so I just water them small amounts several times each day. This forces me to also spend more time with them, and I also pick eggs more times, which cuts down on frozen ones. I have several heated bases my waterers, but don't have nearly enough for all my various pens of chickens.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Back before my chicks ever arrived I found a pile of plywood squares that are 12" x 12" and 1" thick. When the chooks were little I used these blocks, starting with one and adding as needed, to elevate the waterer.
When I clean out the coop, I removed the blocks to clean and then put them back in before I add new shavings. This way the shavings are covering the lower blocks and holding them in place. I am currently using 9 blocks (so 9") for my grown birds. They have been in place in the coop for 6 months and the birds have not knocked them over or the 3 gal. waterer over even once. I also have not had spillage.